Christmas tree watering device and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a Christmas tree watering device or system. The Christmas tree watering device comprises an ice chute assembly usable in combination with a Christmas tree water reservoir. The ice chute assembly comprises an ice chute and a knockdown type dipstick. The ice chute comprises an ice inlet, an ice outlet, a reservoir-engaging flange, and a continuous, substantially rectangular, lateral cross section for channeling ice cubes. Additionally, the present invention provides an ice chute whereby the entire exterior chute surface is provided with ornamental markings in a ladder-shaped design. The ornamental ice chute thus resembles an ornamental ladder leading from the Christmas tree water reservoir to a select Christmas tree branch. Further, the ornamental ice chute is adorned with an ornamental figurine posed so as to create an amusing Christmas ornament, the amusing the amusing Christmas ornament being that of an ornamental character climbing the ornamental ladder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an irrigation systemfor earthen products. More particularly, the present invention relatesto chute or conduit means for delivering water to select areas orregions adjacent basal plant structure. Specifically, the presentinvention relates to a uniquely configured chute for delivering icecubes to Christmas tree water reservoirs.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] It is widely accepted that the Christmas tree or “Tannenbaum” isa German tradition dating from as early as 700 A.D. During the 1800's,however, Germans began immigrating to the United States, settlingprimarily in Pennsylvania, and in the wake of this German immigration,the Christmas tree tradition quickly spread to the United States. Notsurprisingly, Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the UnitedStates since the mid 1800's. Currently, approximately 36 millionChristmas trees are produced each year, a majority of which are producedor grown on Christmas tree farms or plantations. Experts estimate thatmore than 1 million acres of land have been planted with Christmas treesand, in North America alone, there are more than 15,000 Christmas treefarmers.

[0005] Entrepreneurs have generally taken note of the lucrative marketsurrounding the Christmas season, and, in particular, have developedniche ventures involving the Christmas tree tradition. In this regard,numerous Christmas tree ornaments, lights, stands, and even a host ofartificial Christmas trees have been developed. The primaryaccompaniment to any natural Christmas tree, however, is water. Withouta water supply, the natural or live Christmas tree will quickly dry out.On the other hand, with proper care and an adequate water supply, theaverage natural or fresh Christmas tree should last at least five to sixweeks. While there are numerous additives that may be added to aChristmas tree water supply to prolong the typical natural Christmastree life, water alone is generally considered to be adequate to keep anatural Christmas tree alive for the holiday season.

[0006] One of the most common and economical means to provide a naturalChristmas tree with a water supply is to provide the natural Christmastree with a Christmas tree stand having a water reservoir or water basininto which a cut Christmas tree base may be placed. It is noted that theaverage Christmas tree with sap seals removed (a cut Christmas tree willnormally develop a sap seal over the cut base) can absorb as much as 1gallon (3.79 liters) of water per day. A general rule, according to theNational Christmas Tree Association, is that one quart (0.95 liters) ofwater is required for each inch (2.54 cm) of the trunk's diameter.Therefore, if a given Christmas tree is about 6 feet (1.83 meters) tallwith a trunk that measures about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, theChristmas tree stand with water reservoir should hold at least 1 gallon(3.79 liters) of water.

[0007] While it is further noted that Christmas tree farmers willperiodically shear the growing Christmas trees before harvest to obtainthe most commercially desirable Christmas tree taper, even a Christmastree with a relatively small taper will have bulky lateral growth at thebase of the tree where Christmas tree water reservoirs are typicallylocated. Filling and refilling a Christmas tree water reservoir cantherefore be a cumbersome process often requiring the natural Christmastree enthusiast to “bend down, get on one's knees, or sit down on thefloor” as has been noted U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,547. It will thus be seenthat Christmas tree water delivery systems that do not require thenatural Christmas tree enthusiast to bend down, get on one's knees orsit down on the floor are effective and useful systems, enablingenthusiasts to more easily maintain water levels in the Christmas treewater reservoir. In this regard, the prior art teaches a variety ofChristmas tree or plant water delivery devices, some of which aredescribed hereinafter.

[0008] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,838 ('838 Patent), which issuedto Denbigh, discloses a Christmas Tree Watering Device. The '838 Patentteaches a device for conveying irrigation water to a Christmas treestand and fluid bowl. The device comprises a funnel securable to abranch of a tree. A tubular conduit extends from the funnel along thetree trunk and terminates within the fluid bowl, thereby permittingfluid to be added to the fluid bowl without requiring an individual todirectly access the fluid bowl.

[0009] It will be seen from a review of the '838 Patent, however, thatthe disclosed Christmas Tree Watering Device does not teach an ice chuteassembly for channeling pieces of frozen water or ice from a superiordepository location adjacent a select Christmas tree branch to aninferior outlet location, namely a Christmas tree water reservoir. Itwill be further seen that the '838 Patent does not teach an ice chuteassembly comprising in combination, a rigid, substantially linear icechute for channeling ice and a dipstick preferably housed within the icechute for monitoring the water level in the Christmas tree waterreservoir. Further, the '838 Patent does not teach an ice chute whereinthe conduit length comprises a continuous, substantially rectangular,lateral cross section for channeling cubic pieces of ice or ice cubes.Further, the '838 Patent does not teach an ice chute assembly whereinthe exterior surface of the ice chute comprises decorative markings,specifically arranged to resemble a ladder-shaped design upon which maybe positioned a posed ornamental figurine so as to create an amusingChristmas ornament, the amusing Christmas ornament being that of acharacter climbing the ladder-shaped design.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,677 ('677 Patent), which issued to McCurry,discloses a Remote Fill Receptacle. The '677 Patent teaches a receptaclebody and a receptacle conduit for filling a tree stand water reservoir.Water is received via an inlet opening in the upper portion of the bodyand outlets the water through an outlet opening in the lower portion ofthe body into the conduit, which directs the water from the outletopening to the reservoir.

[0011] It will be seen from a review of the '677 Patent, however, thatthe disclosed Remote Fill Receptacle also does not teach an ice chuteassembly for channeling pieces of ice from a superior depositorylocation adjacent a select Christmas tree branch to an inferior outletlocation, namely a Christmas tree water reservoir. It will be furtherseen that the '677 Patent does not teach an ice chute assemblycomprising in combination, a rigid, substantially linear ice chute forchanneling pieces or chunks of ice and a knockdown type dipstick housedwithin the ice chute for monitoring the water level in the Christmastree water reservoir. Further, the '677 Patent does not teach an icechute wherein the conduit length comprises a continuous, substantiallyrectangular, lateral cross section for channeling cubic pieces of ice.Further, the '677 Patent does not teach an ice chute assembly whereinthe exterior surface of the ice chute comprises decorative markings,specifically arranged to resemble a ladder-shaped design upon which maybe positioned a posed ornamental figurine so as to create an amusingChristmas ornament, the amusing Christmas ornament being that of acharacter climbing the ladder-shaped design.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,547 ('547 Patent), which issued to Brunengo,discloses a Conduit and Float Gauge Apparatus. The Conduit and FloatGauge Apparatus comprises a conduit unit which includes a bottom portionfor placement in a water-retaining receptacle. At least one connectorassembly connects the conduit unit to a Christmas tree, such that theconnector assembly stabilizes the conduit unit in a substantiallyvertical orientation. A float assembly is housed within the conduit unitand includes a flotation member located within the bottom end portion ofthe conduit unit. The conduit unit has a linear length sufficient topermit a person to add water to the top end portion of the conduit unitwithout bending down, getting on one's knees, or sitting down on thefloor.

[0013] It will be seen from a review of the '547 Patent that thedisclosed Conduit and Float Gauge Apparatus does not teach an ice chuteassembly for channeling ice chunks from a superior depository locationadjacent a select Christmas tree branch to an inferior outlet location,emptying into a Christmas tree water reservoir. It will be further seenthat the '547 Patent does not teach an ice chute assembly comprising incombination, a rigid, substantially linear ice chute for channeling icechunks and a dipstick of a knockdown type housed within the ice chutefor monitoring the water level in the Christmas tree water reservoir.Further, the '547 Patent does not teach an ice chute wherein the conduitlength comprises a continuous, substantially rectangular, lateral crosssection for channeling cubic ice chunks. Further, the '547 Patent doesnot teach an ice chute assembly wherein the exterior surface of the icechute comprises decorative markings, specifically arranged to resemble aladder-shaped design upon which may be positioned a posed ornamentalfigurine. The '547 Patent thus does not teach an ice chute assemblywherein the ice chute assembly comprises an ornamental characterclimbing an ornamental ladder.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,516 ('516 Patent), which issued to Brown,discloses a Watering Device. The Watering Device comprisesornament-shaped inlet housing and an outlet. A flexible tube is attachedto the outlet. Water poured into the inlet housing exits through theoutlet and into the tube. The tube, typically hidden within the tree,can extend downward and into a base or reservoir. Water, traveling downthe tube, typically exits the tube into the base.

[0015] It will be seen from a review of the '516 Patent that thedisclosed Watering Device does not teach an ice chute assembly forchanneling ice chunks from a superior depository location adjacent aselect Christmas tree branch to an inferior outlet location, namely aChristmas tree water reservoir. It will be further seen that the '516Patent does not teach an ice chute assembly comprising in combination, arigid, substantially linear ice chute for channeling ice chunks and aknockdown type dipstick housed within the ice chute for monitoring thewater level in the Christmas tree water reservoir. Further, the '516Patent does not teach an ice chute wherein the conduit length comprisesa continuous, substantially rectangular, lateral cross section forchanneling cubic ice chunks. Further, the '516 Patent does not teach anice chute assembly wherein the exterior surface of the ice chutecomprises decorative markings, specifically arranged to resemble aladder-shaped design upon which may be positioned a posed ornamentalfigurine so as to create an amusing Christmas ornament, the amusingChristmas ornament being that of a character climbing the ladder-shapeddesign.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,926 ('926 Patent), which issued to Granger,discloses a Christmas Tree Watering Funnel with Indicating System. Theinvention of the '926 Patent comprises a rigid funnel body havingintegrally formed top, center, and bottom portions. The funnel has afrusto-conical cross-section that tapers from the top portion to thebottom portion. A flexible coupling is integrally formed between theportions of the funnel to hold them in a desired angular relationship.An indicating system is affixed to the top portion of the funnel. Whenthe water supply in the stand has fallen below a desired minimum level,the indicating system notifies the user. A connecting member couples awater level device at the bottom of the funnel to the indicating device.The water level device actuates the indicating system.

[0017] It will be seen from a review of the '926 Patent that thedisclosed Christmas Tree Watering Funnel with Indicating System does notteach an ice chute assembly for channeling ice from a superiordepository location adjacent a select Christmas tree branch to aninferior outlet location, namely, a Christmas tree water reservoir. Itwill be further seen that the '926 Patent does not teach an ice chuteassembly comprising in combination, a rigid, substantially linear icechute for channeling ice and a knockdown type dipstick housed within theice chute for monitoring the water level in the Christmas tree waterreservoir. Further, the '926 Patent does not teach an ice chute whereinthe conduit length comprises a continuous, substantially rectangular,lateral cross section for channeling cubic ice chunks. Further, the '926Patent does not teach an ice chute assembly wherein the exterior surfaceof the ice chute comprises decorative markings, specifically arranged toresemble a ladder-shaped design upon which may be positioned a posedornamental figurine so as to create an amusing Christmas ornament, theamusing Christmas ornament being that of a character climbing theladder-shaped design.

[0018] Of the numerous Christmas tree or plant watering devices thathave been developed, many provide conduit means for delivering waterfrom a superior depository location to an inferior outlet location so asto provide the basal plant structure with moisture to promote aprolonged life state of the plant structure or natural Christmas tree.In this regard, it has been shown that Christmas tree or plant wateringdevices of various types are known in the prior art. However, inaddition to often being exorbitantly priced, the Christmas tree or plantwatering devices that have been developed are often cumbersome topractice, requiring the user to deposit liquid water or water in anunfrozen state in the described superior depository so as to allow theliquid water to travel under gravitational forces through the conduitmeans to the Christmas tree water reservoir or basal plant structurelocated at an inferior location relative to the superior depository.Liquid water, however, is often cumbersome to work with or handle due toits liquid nature; the liquid water often spilling from depositcontainers onto delicate gifts or other sensitive packages locatedbeneath the deposit site, some of which may include items havingdangerous electrical currents running therethrough.

[0019] Further, the Christmas tree or plant watering devices that havebeen developed often do not comprise ornamental configurations orattributes. The prior art disclosures that attempt to include ornamentalconfigurations into the design of the Christmas tree or plant wateringdevice do not disclose ornamental configurations readily adapted fromthe entire form and function of the conduit means. In other words, theprior art teaches conduit means readily distinguishable from theornamental configuration. Readily distinguishable conduit means decreasethe overall ornamental effect of the watering device. For example, U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,473,838; 5,513,677; 5,615,516; 5,799,437; 6,073,390;6,082,043; 6,167,651; 6,367,195; and D375,026 all disclose Christmastree or plant watering devices in which the conduit means are observablydistinct from the ornamental aspects of the disclosure, thus detractingfrom the overall ornamental effect of the respective devices.

[0020] The prior art thus perceives a need for an ice chute assembly forchanneling ice from a superior depository location adjacent a selectChristmas tree branch to an inferior outlet location, namely a Christmastree water reservoir. The prior art further perceives a need for an icechute assembly comprising in combination, a rigid, substantially linearice chute for channeling ice and a knockdown type dipstick housed withinthe ice chute for monitoring the water level in the Christmas tree waterreservoir. Further, the prior art perceives a need for an ice chutewherein the conduit length comprises a continuous, substantiallyrectangular, lateral cross section for channeling cubic ice chunks orice cubes. Further, the prior art perceives a need for an ice chuteassembly wherein the exterior surface of the ice chute comprisesdecorative markings, specifically arranged to resemble a ladder-shapeddesign upon which may be positioned a posed ornamental figurine so as tocreate an amusing Christmas ornament, the amusing Christmas ornamentbeing that of a character climbing the ladder-shaped design.

[0021] In this last regard, it is contemplated that the prior artperceives a need for a Christmas tree or plant watering device thatprovides conduit means for delivering ice or water in a frozen statefrom a superior depository location to an inferior outlet location so asto provide the basal plant structure with a more easily controlledmoisture source to promote a prolonged life state of the plant ornatural Christmas tree. Further, it is contemplated that the prior artperceives a need for a low cost Christmas tree or plant watering device,which is less cumbersome to practice, enables the user to deposit eithereasily managed pieces of ice or liquid water in the described superiordepository so as to allow the water, whether frozen or unfrozen, totravel under gravitational forces through the conduit means to theChristmas tree water reservoir or basal plant structure located at aninferior location relative to the superior depository. A Christmas treewatering device or plant watering device designed for receiving andchanneling chunks of ice thus more easily enables users to avoidspilling liquid water from deposit containers onto delicate gifts orother sensitive packages located beneath the typical deposit site.Further, a Christmas tree watering device or plant watering devicedesigned for receiving and channeling ice chunks more easily enablesusers to avoid spilling highly conductive liquid water onto items havingdangerous electrical currents running therethrough.

[0022] Further, the prior art perceives a need for a Christmas tree orplant watering device comprising readily configurable ornamentalattributes. In this regard, the prior art perceives a need for aChristmas tree or plant watering device comprising conduit means readilyamenable to an ornamental configuration. Ornamentally configured conduitmeans increase the overall ornamental effect of the given wateringdevice. In other words, the prior art perceives a need for a Christmastree or plant watering device in which the conduit means are notobservably distinct from the ornamental aspects of the disclosure, thusincreasing the overall ornamental effect of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providea Christmas tree irrigation system or plant watering system, whichcomprises an ice chute assembly for channeling ice from a superiordepository location adjacent a select Christmas tree branch or plantbranch to an inferior outlet location, namely, a water reservoir. Inthis regard, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novelmeans of delivering more easily managed or handled solid ice portions toa Christmas tree reservoir in contradistinction to less easily managedliquid water portions. It is thus a further object of the presentinvention to provide an ice chute assembly comprising in combination, arigid, substantially linear ice chute for channeling deposited ice to aChristmas tree water reservoir and a knockdown type dipstick housedwithin the ice chute for monitoring the water level in the Christmastree water reservoir. Further, it is an object of the present inventionto provide an ice chute wherein the conduit length comprises acontinuous, substantially rectangular, lateral cross section forchanneling cubic ice chunks, which cubic ice chunks are typically quiteeasily managed and produced by common household refrigeration means.Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide anice chute assembly wherein the exterior surface of the ice chutecomprises decorative markings, specifically arranged to resemble aladder-shaped design upon which may be positioned a posed ornamentalfigurine so as to create an amusing Christmas ornament, the amusingChristmas ornament being that of a character climbing the ladder-shapeddesign. In this regard, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a Christmas tree irrigation system wherein the conduit means iscompletely camouflaged or disguised in an ornamental dressing to as toincrease the enjoyment or ornamental effect of the natural Christmastree.

[0024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aChristmas tree or plant watering device that provides conduit means fordelivering water in a frozen state or pieces of ice from a superiordepository location to an inferior outlet location so as to provide thebasal plant structure with a more easily controlled moisture source topromote a prolonged life state. It is a further object of the presentinvention to provide a low cost Christmas tree or plant watering device,which is less cumbersome to practice, enables the user to deposit eithermore easily handled ice chunks or less easily handled liquid water inthe described superior depository so as to allow the water, whetherfrozen or unfrozen, to travel under gravitational forces through theconduit means to the Christmas tree water reservoir or basal plantstructure located at an inferior location relative to the superiordepository. It is thus a further object of the present invention toprovide a Christmas tree watering device or plant watering devicedesigned for receiving and channeling ice chunks, which more readilyenables users to avoid liquid water spillage from deposit containersonto delicate gift items, water sensitive packages and the like locatedbeneath the deposit site. Still further, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a Christmas tree watering device designed forreceiving and channeling pieces of ice, which readily enables users toavoid spilling highly conductive liquid water onto electrically liveitems having dangerous electrical currents running therethrough.

[0025] Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide aChristmas tree or plant watering device, which comprises readilyconfigurable ornamental attributes. In this regard, it is a furtherobject of the present invention to provide a Christmas tree or plantwatering device comprising conduit means, which may be readily enhancedto resemble an ornamental configuration, thus increasing the overallornamental effect of the watering device. In other words, it is anobject of the present invention to provide a Christmas tree or plantwatering device in which the conduit means are not observably distinctfrom the ornamental aspects of the disclosure, thus increasing theoverall ornamental effect of the device, whereby the enjoyment of theChristmas tree may be increased.

[0026] To achieve these and other readily apparent objectives, thepresent invention provides a Christmas tree irrigation system or plantwatering system. The Christmas tree irrigation system comprises, incombination, a Christmas tree water reservoir and an ornamental icechute assembly. The ornamental ice chute assembly comprises anornamental ice chute and a dipstick. The Christmas tree water reservoircomprises a superior peripheral rim and an inferior matter-containmentbasin, the inferior matter-containment basin for receiving and retainingthe base of a Christmas tree base as well as water to be absorbed by thebase of the natural Christmas tree.

[0027] The ornamental ice chute, which is typically linear, comprises asuperior chute end, an inferior chute end, a conduit length intermediatethe superior chute end and the inferior chute end, an interior chutesurface and an exterior chute surface. The superior chute end comprisesan ice inlet or opening as well as means for removably attaching thesuperior chute end to a select Christmas tree branch. The inferior chuteend comprises an ice outlet or opening as well as means for selectivelyinterfacing the inferior chute end with the superior peripheral rim ofthe Christmas tree water reservoir. The conduit length is provided witha given linear measurement, which can be tailored according to thedesires of the consumer or the Christmas tree type.

[0028] The dipstick is preferably of a knock down type and thuscomprises a superior dipstick portion, an inferior dipstick portion, andmeans for reversibly connecting the superior dipstick portion to theinferior dipstick portion. The superior dipstick portion comprises asuperior mouth end, an inferior conjugate end, and means for removablyattaching the superior dipstick portion to the superior chute end of theice chute. The inferior dipstick portion comprises a superior conjugateend and an inferior orifice end. The orifice end comprises water levelindicia for indicating the water level in the Christmas tree waterreservoir. When the superior dipstick portion is reversibly connected tothe inferior dipstick portion, the dipstick achieves an overall dipsticklength. The dipstick length has a greater magnitude than the givenlinear measurement of the ice chute.

[0029] The conduit length of the ice chute comprises a continuous,substantially rectangular, lateral cross section. That is, the conduitlength has a substantially planar superior portion, a substantiallyplanar inferior portion, and two substantially planar,laterally-opposite, substantially vertical portions, which form thewalls of the conduit length. The superior portion, inferior portion andvertical portions are thus continuously formed, forming a continuous,substantially rectangular, lateral cross-sectional chute. Thesubstantially rectangular, lateral cross-sectional chute is designed tospecifically channel ice chunks that are cubic in form from a superiordepository location or superior chute end to the Christmas tree waterreservoir.

[0030] The means for removably attaching the superior chute end to aselect Christmas tree branch may be further defined by comprising anornamental hook, an ornamental chain and hook combination, or otherfunctionally equivalent removable attachment structure. The means forselectively interfacing the inferior chute end of the ice chute with theChristmas tree water reservoir may be further defined by comprising areservoir-engaging flange. The reservoir-engaging flange essentiallycomprises a protruding edge of the inferior portion of the ice chute.The means for removably attaching the superior dipstick portion to thesuperior chute end of the ice chute may be further defined by comprisinga clip, a clasp, or other functionally equivalent removable attachmentstructure.

[0031] Additionally, the present invention provides a novel ornamentallydesigned Christmas tree irrigation system whereby the entire exteriorchute surface comprises ornamental markings. In this regard, theexterior chute surface comprises a visually appealing combination oflight reflective coloration and light absorbent coloration. The visuallyappealing combination of light reflective coloration and light absorbentcoloration may be further defined by comprising a ladder-shaped designon the superior portion of the ice chute thus creating an ice chutewhich resembles an ornamental ladder leading from the Christmas treewater reservoir to the select Christmas tree branch. Further, the icechute with ornamental ladder-shaped design on the superior portion isadorned with an ornamental figurine posed so as to create an amusingChristmas ornament, the amusing the amusing Christmas ornament beingthat of an ornamental character climbing the ornamental ladder. Theornamental character and the ornamental ladder design togethercamouflage the summarized ice chute assembly.

[0032] Additionally, a novel method of channeling water to a Christmastree water reservoir or basal plant structure is provided wherein themethod comprises the initial step of providing an ice chute forchanneling ice from a superior location to an inferior location, the icechute comprising a superior chute end, an inferior chute end, and aconduit length intermediate the superior chute end and the inferiorchute end. As earlier summarized, the superior chute end comprises anice inlet and means for removably attaching the superior chute end to aselect Christmas tree branch or plant branch; and the inferior chute endcomprises an ice outlet and means for selectively interfacing theinferior chute end with a Christmas tree water reservoir or basal plantstructure. Next, the user installs the ice chute on a Christmas tree orplant, which tree or plant comprises the select Christmas tree or plantbranch and the Christmas tree base or basal plant structure. To installthe ice chute on the Christmas tree or plant, the user, in optionalorder, attaches the superior chute end to the select Christmas tree orplant branch and interfaces the inferior chute end with the Christmastree water reservoir or basal plant structure. Lastly, the user depositsice in the ice inlet, thus effectively channeling the ice or frozenwater to the Christmas tree water reservoir or basal plant structure,which frozen water or ice melts under ambient temperatures to provide areadily absorbable water supply for the Christmas tree or subject plant.

[0033] Typically, natural Christmas tree enthusiasts will obtain a freshor live Christmas tree and place the Christmas tree in a Christmas treestand comprising a water reservoir. Water is periodically added to thewater reservoir in an attempt to prolong the Christmas tree life state.The present invention thus provides a Christmas tree irrigation systemcomprising, in combination, a Christmas tree water reservoir, an icechute, and a dipstick as summarized above. The ice chute is installablefrom a select Christmas tree branch and extends in a substantiallylinear fashion to the Christmas tree water reservoir so as to provide achannel for directing ice cubes or ice chunks from the superior locationto the inferior location. The ice chunks then melt under ambienttemperatures to provide a readily absorbable water supply for theChristmas tree. The exterior surface of the ice chute is provided withornamental markings so as to resemble a Christmas tree ornament.Specifically, the summarized Christmas tree ornament resembles anamusing ornamental character climbing an ornamental ladder from thewater reservoir to the select Christmas tree branch. The conduit meansor ice chute is thus effectively converted from an otherwise distractingeye sore to an amusing ornament as a means to increase the enjoyment ofthe Christmas tree.

[0034] Other objects of the present invention, as well as particularfeatures, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, orapparent from, the following description and the accompanying drawingfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Other features of my invention will become more evident from aconsideration of the following brief description of my patent drawings,as follows:

[0036] Figure No. 1 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of theice chute assembly installed on a Christmas tree with parts removed tomore clearly show the ice chute assembly in cooperative engagement witha combination Christmas tree stand and water reservoir.

[0037] Figure No. 2 is a fragmentary side view of the preferredembodiment of the ice chute assembly showing the inferior chute end andinferior dipstick portion in cooperative engagement with a combinationChristmas tree stand and water reservoir.

[0038] Figure No. 3 is a perspective view of the ornamental ice chuteassembly showing an ornamental character climbing an ornamental ladderdesign on the superior exterior surface of the ice chute.

[0039] Figure No. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the ornamentalice chute assembly showing a user depositing ice cubes in the ice inletof the superior chute end of the ice chute.

[0040] Figure No. 5 is a fragmentary top plan view of the ice chute withparts removed to more clearly show the superior chute end and theinferior chute end of the ice chute.

[0041] Figure No. 6 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional side view of theice chute with parts removed to more clearly show the superior chute endand the inferior chute end of the ice chute.

[0042] Figure No. 7 is a fragmentary end view of the ice chute showingthe ice inlet of the superior chute end.

[0043] Figure No. 8 is a fragmentary end view of the ice chute showingthe ice outlet of the inferior chute end.

[0044] Figure No. 9 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment ofthe ice chute.

[0045] Figure No. 10 is a side plan view of the preferred embodiment ofthe ice chute.

[0046] Figure No. 11 is a side view of the dipstick in an assembledstate.

[0047] Figure No. 12 is a side view of the dipstick in a disassembledstate.

[0048] Figure No. 13 is an end view of the ice chute assembly showingthe ice inlet of the superior chute end of the ice chute and thedipstick removably attached to the superior chute end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0049] Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention concerns a Christmas tree irrigation system or plantwatering device, wherein the Christmas tree irrigation system comprises,in combination, a Christmas tree water reservoir 10 as illustrated inFigure Nos. 1 and 2, and an ice chute assembly 20 as illustrated inFigure Nos. 1-4 and 13. Ice chute assembly 20 preferably comprises anice chute 30 as illustrated in Figure Nos. 1-10; and indicator means forindicating the presence or absence of water at a select plant stemregion or basal plant structure or Christmas tree water reservoir 10positioned adjacent a Christmas tree base 16. The indicator means may befurther defined by comprising a dipstick 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4,and 11-13. Ice chute assembly 20 is designed to channel ice cubes orcubic ice chunks from a superior depository location adjacent a selectChristmas tree branch 15 as illustrated in Figure Nos. 1 and 4 toChristmas tree water reservoir 10 positioned adjacent a Christmas treebase 16 as illustrated in Figure Nos. 1 and 2. In this last regard, itwill be seen that ice chute assembly 20 is also designed to channel icecubes or cubic ice chunks from a superior depository location adjacent aselect plant branch to a select region in inferior adjacency to a plantstem or basal plant structure. Christmas tree water reservoir 10preferably comprises an upper container lip or superior peripheral rim12 as illustrated in Figure Nos. 1 and 2 and an inferiormatter-containment basin 14 as further illustrated in Figure Nos. 1 and2. As can be seen from an inspection of Figure Nos. 1 and 2, inferiormatter-containment basin 14 is preferably designed to receive and retainChristmas tree base 16 as well as a readily absorbable water supply 18,as illustrated in Figure Nos. 1 and 2. Excellent results are obtainablewhen Christmas tree base 16 has sap seals removed. That is, water supply18 is most readily absorbable when Christmas tree base 16 is providedwith a fresh cut to remove any sap seal or when Christmas tree base 16is provided with drilled or bored apertures so as to allow water supply18 access to those portions of the Christmas tree base, which absorbwater.

[0050] Ice chute 30 is essentially a chute sized and shaped forchanneling water or ice 60 to Christmas tree water reservoir 10 or to aselect region in inferior adjacency to a plant stem as illustrated inFigure Nos. 1 and 2. Ice chute 30 preferably comprises a rigid,substantially linear or straight conduit configuration and in thisregard is preferably constructed from ⅛ inch walled pvc conduit. Icechute 30 comprises a superior chute end 31 as illustrated in Figure Nos.3, 4-7, 9, 10, and 13; an inferior chute end 34 as illustrated in FigureNos. 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8-10; a conduit length 37 intermediate superiorchute end 31 and inferior chute end 34 as illustrated in Figure Nos. 3,9, and 10; an interior chute surface 38 as illustrated in Figure Nos.3-8, and 13; and an exterior chute surface 39 as illustrated in FigureNos. 3-10. Superior chute end 31 comprises a water or ice inlet 32 oropening as illustrated in Figure Nos. 4-7, 9, and 10; as well as meansfor suspending the upper chute end from a Christmas tree limb orattachment means for removably attaching superior chute end 31 to selectChristmas tree branch 15 as illustrated in Figure Nos. 1 and 4 or aselect plant branch. The attachment means for removably attachingsuperior chute end 31 to select Christmas tree branch 15 is preferablyfurther defined by comprising an ornamental hook, an ornamental chainand hook combination 33, or other functionally equivalent removableattachment structure. For illustration purposes, ornamental chain andhook combination 33 is specifically illustrated in Figure Nos. 1, 3, 4,9, and 10. In the preferred embodiment, ornamental chain and hookcombination 33 comprises a 10 inch (25.4 cm) triangular link decorativechain. The decorative chain has a superior chute end attachment link 59,which attachment link 59 is fed through a chain-receiving aperture 59(a)at superior chute end 31 as generally illustrated in Figure Nos. 3 and4. Attachment link 59 is specifically illustrated in Figure Nos. 5 and 6and chain-receiving aperture 59(a) is specifically illustrated in FigureNos. 5 and 7. Inferior chute end 34 comprises a water or ice outlet 35or opening as well as means for selectively interfacing inferior chuteend 34 with superior peripheral rim 12 of Christmas tree water reservoir10 or a select plant stem region, the select plant stem region being ininferior adjacency to a plant stem. Conduit length 37 is preferablyprovided with a given linear measurement 37(a), which linear measurement37(a) can be tailored according to the desires of the consumer or theChristmas tree type as specifically referenced in Figure No. 10.

[0051] Dipstick 40 is preferably of a knock down type as for storage orshipping and thus comprises a superior dipstick portion 41 asillustrated in Figure Nos. 11 and 12; an inferior dipstick portion 45 asillustrated in Figure Nos. 11 and 12, and means for reversiblyconnecting superior dipstick portion 41 to inferior dipstick portion 45.The means for removably attaching superior dipstick portion 41 tosuperior chute end 31 of ice chute 30 or releasable means may bepreferably defined by comprising a clip 54, a clasp, or otherfunctionally equivalent removable attachment structure. For illustrationpurposes, clip 54 is specifically illustrated in Figure Nos. 11-13.

[0052] Superior dipstick portion 41 and inferior dipstick portion arepreferably constructed from ¼ diameter doll rod. Superior dipstickportion 41 preferably comprises a superior mouth end 42 as illustratedin Figure Nos. 4, 9, 11-13; an inferior conjugate end 43 as illustratedin Figure Nos. 11 and 12; and means for removably attaching superiordipstick portion 41 to superior chute end 31 of ice chute 30. Inferiordipstick portion 45 preferably comprises a superior conjugate end 46 asillustrated in Figure Nos. 11 and 12; and an inferior orifice end 47 asillustrated in Figure Nos. 3, 11, and 12. The means for reversiblyconnecting superior dipstick portion 41 to inferior dipstick portion 45preferably comprises a coupling 48 wherein coupling 48 preferablycomprises opposite female ends for receiving superior conjugate end 46and inferior conjugate end 43 in juxtaposed relation as generallyillustrated in Figure No. 11. Coupling 48 preferably has ¼ inch diameterfemale receptors adapted to snugly receive and release superiorconjugate end 46 and inferior conjugate end 43. Inferior orifice end 47preferably comprises water level indicia 61 for indicating the waterlevel in Christmas tree water reservoir 10 as generally illustrated inFigure No. 2. When superior dipstick portion 41 is reversibly orremovably connected to inferior dipstick portion 45 via coupling 48,dipstick 40 achieves an overall dipstick length 49 as illustrated inFigure No. 11. Dipstick length 49 has a greater magnitude than the givenlinear measurement 37(a) of ice chute 30. In this regard, it isspecified that the preferable given linear measurement 37(a) of icechute 30 is approximately 3½ inches (80 cm) whereas the preferabledipstick length 49 is approximately 36 inches (91.4 cm).

[0053] The conduit length 37 of ice chute 30 preferably comprises acontinuous, substantially rectangular, lateral cross section asgenerally illustrated in Figure Nos. 7 and 8. For example, when providedan end view of ice chute 30, as illustrated in either Figure No. 7 orFigure No. 8, it will be seen that conduit length 37 has a substantiallyplanar superior portion 50; a substantially planar inferior portion 52;and two substantially planar, laterally-opposite, substantially verticalportions 51, which form the walls of conduit length 37. Superior portion50 is further illustrated in Figure Nos. 2-6, 9, and 10. Inferiorportion 52 is further illustrated in Figure Nos. 2, 4, 6, and 10.Vertical portions 51 are further illustrated in Figure Nos. 3, 4, 5, 9and 10. One of the vertical portions 51 is further illustrated in FigureNo.6. As described earlier, superior portion 50, inferior portion 52 andvertical portions 51 are preferably constructed from continuously formedpvc conduit, more specifically defined by having a substantiallyrectangular lateral cross-section, thus forming a continuous,substantially rectangular, lateral cross-sectional chute. The resultingsubstantially rectangular, lateral cross-sectional chute is designed tospecifically channel ice cubes 60 or ice chunks that are cubic in formfrom a superior depository location or from ice inlet 32 to Christmastree water reservoir 10 which typically lies in inferior adjacency toice outlet 35 as generally illustrated in Figure Nos. 1 and 2. It shouldbe further noted that dipstick 40 is preferably removably attached toice chute 30 such that dipstick 40 rests adjacent interior chute surface38, inferior portion 52, and at the user's election, one of verticalportions 51 as is generally illustrated in Figure No. 13.

[0054] The means for selectively interfacing inferior chute end 34 ofice chute 30 with Christmas tree water reservoir 10 is preferablyfurther defined by comprising a curved lower chute end orreservoir-engaging flange 53 as illustrated in Figure Nos. 2, 3, 5, 6,8-10, and 13. Reservoir-engaging flange 53 essentially comprises aprotruding edge of inferior portion 52 of ice chute 30 and is preferablyformed by heat-treating inferior portion 52 such that the pvc materialbecomes soft and pliable. Reservoir-engaging flange 53 is then pulledfrom inferior portion 52 and directed into a lip flange configuration asillustrated in Figure Nos. 6 and 8. The pvc material is then allowed tocool and harden such that reservoir-engaging flange 53 is sized andshaped to provide a lip or flange to engage superior peripheral rim 12.It will be seen from an inspection of Figure Nos. 3, 5, 6, 9, and 10that superior portion 50 terminates at inferior chute end 34 at a pointsuch that superior portion 50 is of a shorter length than inferiorportion 52. In this regard, it is contemplated that with a preferredlinear measurement 37(a) of approximately 31½ inches (80 cm), thesuperior portion 50 will approximate about 30 inches (76.2 cm) inlength. Vertical portions 51 thus preferably terminate in a sloped ordiagonally-cut configuration at inferior chute end 34 as generallyillustrated in Figure Nos. 3 and 6.

[0055] It is further contemplated that the present invention preferablyprovides a novel, ornamentally-designed Christmas tree irrigation systemor plant watering device whereby the entire exterior chute surface 39comprises decorative or ornamental markings. In this regard, exteriorchute surface 39 preferably comprises a visually appealing combinationof light reflective coloration and light absorbent coloration. This isbecause pvc conduit is typically processed or formed in either lightreflective coloration as would be best represented by the color white orlight absorbent coloration as would be best represented by the colorblack. Exterior surface 39 is then painted or silk-screened with a colorother than that of the pvc material to produce the visually appealingcombination of light reflective coloration and light absorbentcoloration. The visually appealing combination of light reflectivecoloration and light absorbent coloration is preferably arranged ordefined to simulate a ladder-shaped design 55 on superior portion 50 ofice chute 30 as illustrated in Figure Nos. 3 and 4. Ice chute 30 is thustransformed from a rather unattractive conduit means to an ornamentalice chute 30 resembling a ladder leading from Christmas tree waterreservoir 10 to select Christmas tree branch 15. Further, the ornamentalice chute 30 with ornamental ladder-shaped design 55 on superior portion50 is preferably adorned with an ornamental figurine 56, such as afireman (as specifically illustrated in Figure Nos. 1, 3, and 4), achimney sweeper, a lamp lighter, an iceman, a Santa Claus figurine, atree trimmer, a decorator (e.g. a figurine designed to hold a Christmastree light string) or other similar Christmas season type figurine orcharacter who may be found to occasionally climb a ladder. In thisregard, it is contemplated that certain markets may anticipate or preferbiblical characters such as a “Jacob” figurine, who may be posed toclimb a stairway to Heaven or a “Jesus” figurine, who may be posed as acarpenter. Further, in light of the German origins of the Christmas treetradition, a Black Forest woodsman is contemplated. In any event,ornamental figurine 56 is preferably posed so as to create or give finaleffect to the resultant amusing Christmas ornament. The presentinvention is thus designed to serve the dual function of providing anamusing Christmas ornament comprising an ornamental character climbingan ornamental ladder as well as an effective Christmas tree irrigationsystem. As will be seen from an inspection of Figure Nos. 1, 2, and 4,the described dual functionality of the present invention thus providesan ornamentally camouflaged Christmas tree irrigation system, effectiveat delivering ice cubes 60 or other ice chunks of a cubic nature to aChristmas tree water reservoir, which ice cubes 60 will, under typicalhousehold conditions, melt or undergo a phase change from solid water toliquid water in ambient temperatures surrounding the Christmas treewater reservoir to provide a readily absorbable water supply for theoutfitted Christmas tree.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED METHOD

[0056] Additionally, a novel method of channeling water or ice to aChristmas tree water reservoir or basal plant structure is providedwherein the method comprises the initial step of providing ice chute 30for channeling ice from a superior location to an inferior location. Asearlier described, ice chute 30 comprises superior chute end 31,inferior chute end 34, and conduit length 37 intermediate superior chuteend 31 and inferior chute end 34. As earlier described, superior chuteend 31 comprises ice inlet 32 and means for removably attaching superiorchute end 31 to select Christmas tree branch 15 or a select plantbranch. Further, inferior chute end 34 comprises ice outlet 35 and meansfor selectively interfacing inferior chute end 34 with Christmas treewater reservoir 10 or basal plant structure or a select plant stemregion, the select plant stem region being in inferior adjacency to aplant stem. The user next installs ice chute 30 on a plantor Christmastree 58 as generally illustrated in Figure No. 1, which plant orChristmas tree comprises a select plant branch or select Christmas treebranch 15 and a select plant stem region or Christmas tree base 16. Toinstall ice chute 30 on the select plant or Christmas tree 58, the user,in optional order, attaches superior chute end 31 to a select plantbranch or select Christmas tree branch 15 as illustrated in Figure Nos.1 and 4; and interfaces inferior chute end 34 with the select plant stemregion or Christmas tree water reservoir 10 by placing or hookingreservoir-engaging flange 53 over superior peripheral rim 12. Lastly,the user preferably deposits ice cubes 60 or ice chunks of a cubicnature in ice inlet 32 as generally illustrated in Figure Nos. 1 and 4.By depositing ice cubes 60 in ice inlet 32, the user may thuseffectively channel ice cubes 57 and the like to the select plant stemregion or basal plant structure or Christmas tree water reservoir 10 asgenerally illustrated in Figure Nos. 1 and 2. As earlier described, icecubes 60 will, under typical household conditions, melt under ambienttemperatures surrounding Christmas tree water reservoir 10 to provide areadily absorbable water supply as referenced at 18 for hydrating theoutfitted Christmas tree.

[0057] Typically, fresh or live Christmas tree enthusiasts will obtain aChristmas tree and place the Christmas tree in a Christmas tree standcomprising a Christmas tree water reservoir such as Christmas tree waterreservoir 10. Water is periodically added to the water reservoir in anattempt to prolong the natural Christmas tree life state. The presentinvention thus provides a plant or Christmas tree irrigation systemcomprising, in combination, a Christmas tree water reservoir, an icechute, and a dipstick as summarized above. The ice chute is installablefrom a select plant or Christmas tree branch and extends in asubstantially linear fashion to the select plant stem region or basalplant structure or Christmas tree water reservoir so as to provide achannel for directing ice cubes or ice chunks from the superior locationto the inferior location. The pieces of ice then melt under ambienttemperatures to provide a readily absorbable water supply for the plantor Christmas tree. The exterior surface of the ice chute is providedwith decorations or ornamentation so as to resemble a plant or Christmastree ornament, the Christmas tree ornament resembling an amusingcharacter climbing an ornamental ladder from the water reservoir orbasal plant structure to the select plant or Christmas tree branch. Theconduit means or ice chute is thus effectively converted from anotherwise distracting eye sore to an amusing ornament as a means toincrease the enjoyment of the Christmas tree.

[0058] It will thus be seen that the present invention provides aChristmas tree irrigation system or plant watering system, whichcomprises an ice chute assembly for channeling ice from a superiordepository location adjacent a select Christmas tree branch or plantbranch to an inferior outlet location, namely, a water reservoir orbasal plant structure. In this regard, it will be seen that the presentinvention provides a novel means of delivering more easily managed orhandled solid ice portions to a Christmas tree reservoir or basal plantstructure in contradistinction to less easily managed liquid waterportions. It will be further seen that the present invention provides anice chute assembly comprising in combination, a rigid, substantiallylinear ice chute for channeling deposited ice to a Christmas tree waterreservoir or select plant stem region and a knockdown type dipstickhoused within the ice chute for monitoring the water level in theChristmas tree water reservoir or for monitoring the presence or absenceof water at the select plant stem region. Further, it will be seen thatthe present invention provides an ice chute wherein the conduit lengthcomprises a continuous, substantially rectangular, lateral cross sectionfor channeling cubic ice chunks or ice cubes, which cubic ice chunks aretypically quite easily managed and produced by common householdrefrigeration means. Still further, it will be seen that the presentinvention provides an ice chute assembly wherein the exterior surface ofthe ice chute comprises decorative or ornamental markings, specificallyarranged to resemble a ladder-shaped design upon which may be positioneda posed ornamental figurine so as to create an amusing Christmasornament, the amusing Christmas ornament being that of a characterclimbing the ladder-shaped design. In this regard, it will be seen thatthe present invention provides a Christmas tree irrigation systemwherein the conduit means is completely camouflaged or disguised in anornamental dressing to as to increase the enjoyment or overallornamental effect of the outfitted Christmas tree.

[0059] It will be further seen that the present invention provides aChristmas tree or plant watering device that provides conduit means fordelivering water in a frozen state or pieces of ice from a superiordepository location to an inferior outlet location so as to provide thebasal plant structure with a more easily controlled moisture source topromote a prolonged life state. It will be further seen that the presentinvention provides a low cost Christmas tree or plant watering device,which is less cumbersome to practice, enables the user to deposit eithermore easily handled ice chunks or less easily handled liquid water inthe described superior depository so as to allow the water, whetherfrozen or unfrozen, to travel under gravitational forces through theconduit means to the Christmas tree water reservoir or basal plantstructure located at an inferior location relative to the superiordepository. It will be further seen that the present invention providesa Christmas tree watering device or plant watering device designed forreceiving and channeling ice cubes or chunks, which more readily enablesusers to avoid liquid water spillage from deposit containers ontodelicate gift items, water sensitive packages and the like locatedbeneath the deposit site. Still further, it will be seen that thepresent invention provides a Christmas tree watering device designed forreceiving and channeling pieces of ice, which readily enables users toavoid spilling highly conductive liquid water onto electrically liveitems having dangerous electrical currents running therethrough.

[0060] Further, it will be seen that the present invention provides aChristmas tree or plant watering device, which comprises readilyconfigurable ornamental attributes. In this regard, it will be seen thatthe present invention provides a Christmas tree or plant watering devicecomprising conduit means, which may be readily enhanced to resemble anornamental configuration, thus increasing the overall ornamental effectof the watering device. In other words, it will be readily seen thatpresent invention provides a Christmas tree or plant watering device inwhich the conduit means are not observably distinct from the ornamentalaspects of the disclosure, thereby increasing the overall ornamentaleffect of the device, whereby the enjoyment of the Christmas tree orselect plant may be increased.

[0061] While the above description contains much specificity, thisspecificity should not be construed as limitations on the scope of theinvention, but rather as an exemplification of the invention. Forexample, it is contemplated that ice chute need not comprise acontinuous, substantially rectangular, lateral cross section. So long asthe ice chute is capable of channeling ice from a superior location toan inferior location, the ice chute successfully fulfills its purpose.In this regard, it is contemplated that the ice chute may comprise asubstantially circular lateral cross section. Being sized and shaped toreceive pieces or chunks or cubes of ice, an ice chute that is capableof channeling deposited ice from a superior location to an inferiorlocation in the described manner is believed to be within the spirit ofthe present invention. In this regard, an ice chute comprising asubstantially circular lateral cross section may still be marked withornamentation or decoration to achieve an amusing Christmas tree orplant ornament. For example, a helical staircase may be silk-screenedonto the exterior surface in such a fashion as to encircle the entireconduit length from the superior chute end to the inferior chute end.Alternatively, candy cane type markings may be applied to the exteriorsurface in a similar helical fashion. So long as the exterior surfacemay be completely adorned with ornamentation to increase the visualappeal of the conduit means, the present invention is achieved.

[0062] Accordingly, although the invention has been described byreference to a preferred embodiment and preferred method, it is notintended that the novel device and method be limited thereby, but thatmodifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within thebroad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the following claimsand the appended drawings.

I claim:
 1. A Christmas tree irrigation system, the Christmas treeirrigation system comprising, in combination: a Christmas tree waterreservoir, the Christmas tree water reservoir comprising a superiorperipheral rim and an inferior matter-containment basin, the inferiormatter-containment basin for receiving and retaining a Christmas treebase and a water supply; a substantially linear ice chute, the ice chutecomprising a superior chute end, an inferior chute end, a conduit lengthintermediate the superior chute end and the inferior chute end, and anexterior chute surface, the superior chute end comprising an ice inletand means for removably attaching the superior chute end to a selectChristmas tree branch, the inferior chute end comprising an ice outletand means for selectively interfacing the inferior chute end with thesuperior peripheral rim, the conduit length having a given linearmeasure; and a dipstick, the dipstick comprising a superior dipstickportion, an inferior dipstick portion, and means for reversiblyconnecting the superior dipstick portion to the inferior dipstickportion, the superior dipstick portion comprising a superior mouth end,an inferior conjugate end, and means for removably attaching thesuperior dipstick portion to the superior chute end, the inferiordipstick portion comprising a superior conjugate end and an inferiororifice end, the orifice end comprising water level indicia, thedipstick having a dipstick length when the superior dipstick portion isreversibly connected to the inferior dipstick portion, the dipsticklength having greater magnitude than the given linear measure.
 2. TheChristmas tree irrigation system of claim 1 wherein the conduit lengthcomprises a continuous, substantially rectangular, lateral crosssection, the conduit length thus having a substantially planar superiorportion, a substantially planar inferior portion, and two substantiallyplanar, laterally-opposite, substantially vertical portions, thesuperior portion, inferior portion and vertical portions beingcontinuously formed, thus forming a continuous, substantiallyrectangular, lateral cross-sectional chute, the substantiallyrectangular, lateral cross-sectional chute for channeling cubic icechunks from a superior location adjacent the select Christmas treebranch to the Christmas tree water reservoir.
 3. The Christmas treeirrigation system of claim 2 wherein the means for selectivelyinterfacing the inferior chute end with the Christmas tree waterreservoir is defined by comprising a reservoir-engaging flange, thereservoir-engaging flange being a protruding edge of the inferiorportion.
 4. The Christmas tree base irrigation system of claim 3 whereinthe exterior chute surface comprises ornamental markings.
 5. An icechute assembly for channeling ice from a superior location adjacent aChristmas tree branch to a Christmas tree water reservoir adjacent aChristmas tree base, the ice chute assembly comprising: a substantiallylinear ice chute, the ice chute comprising a superior chute end, aninferior chute end, a conduit length intermediate the superior chute endand the inferior chute end, an interior chute surface, and an exteriorchute surface, the superior chute end comprising an ice inlet and meansfor removably attaching the superior chute end to a select Christmastree branch, the inferior chute end comprising an ice outlet and meansfor selectively interfacing the inferior chute end with a Christmas treewater reservoir, the Christmas tree water reservoir being adjacent aChristmas tree base, the conduit length having a given linear measure;and a dipstick, the dipstick comprising a superior dipstick portion, aninferior dipstick portion, and means for reversibly connecting thesuperior dipstick portion to the inferior dipstick portion, the superiordipstick portion comprising a superior mouth end, an inferior conjugateend, and means for removably attaching the superior dipstick portion tothe superior chute end, the inferior dipstick portion comprising asuperior conjugate end and an inferior orifice end, the orifice endcomprising water level indicia, the dipstick having a dipstick lengthwhen the superior dipstick portion is reversibly connected to theinferior dipstick portion, the dipstick length having greater magnitudethan the given linear measure.
 6. The ice chute assembly of claim 5wherein the conduit length comprises a continuous, substantiallyrectangular, lateral cross section, the conduit length thus having asubstantially planar superior portion, a substantially planar inferiorportion, and two substantially planar, laterally-opposite, substantiallyvertical portions, the superior portion, inferior portion and verticalportions being continuously formed, thus forming a continuous,substantially rectangular, lateral cross-sectional chute, thesubstantially rectangular, lateral cross-sectional chute for channelingcubic ice chunks from a superior location adjacent the select Christmastree branch to the Christmas tree water reservoir.
 7. The ice chuteassembly of claim 6 wherein the dipstick is removably attached to theice chute such that the dipstick lies adjacent the interior chutesurface, the inferior portion, and one of the vertical portions.
 8. Theice chute assembly of claim 7 wherein the means for selectivelyinterfacing the inferior chute end with the Christmas tree waterreservoir is defined by comprising a reservoir-engaging flange, thereservoir-engaging flange being a protruding edge of the inferiorportion.
 9. The ice chute assembly of claim 8 wherein the exterior chutesurface comprises a visually appealing combination of light reflectivecoloration and light absorbent coloration.
 10. The ice chute assembly ofclaim 9 wherein an ornamental figurine is attached to the exteriorsurface.
 11. The ice chute assembly of claim 10 wherein the visuallyappealing combination of light reflective coloration and light absorbentcoloration is defined by comprising a ladder-shaped design on thesuperior portion.
 12. The ice chute assembly of claim 11 wherein theornamental figurine is posed on the superior portion so as to create anamusing Christmas ornament, the amusing Christmas ornament being that ofa character climbing the ladder-shaped design.
 13. A chute forchanneling water to a select region in inferior adjacency to a plantstem, the chute comprising: a superior chute end, an inferior chute end,a substantially linear conduit length intermediate the superior chuteend and the inferior chute end, and an exterior surface, the superiorchute end comprising a water inlet and means for removably attaching thesuperior chute end to a select plant branch, the inferior chute endcomprising a water outlet and means for selectively interfacing theinferior chute end with a select plant stem region, the select plantstem region being in inferior adjacency to a plant stem.
 14. The chuteof claim 13 wherein the chute is defined by comprising indicator meansfor indicating the presence or absence of water at the select plant stemregion.
 15. The chute of claim 14 wherein the chute is defined by beingsized and shaped to channel cubic ice chunks from a superior locationadjacent the select plant branch to the select plant stem region. 16.The chute of claim 15 wherein the conduit length comprises a continuous,substantially rectangular lateral cross section.
 17. The chute of claim16 wherein the exterior surface is defined by comprising decorativemarkings.
 18. In combination, an ice chute and a Christmas tree stand,the Christmas tree stand comprising a water container, the watercontainer having an upper container lip, the ice chute having a givenlength, a curved lower chute end, and an upper chute end, the curvedlower chute end in engaged supported relation with said upper containerlip when the water container is in need of being filled, the ice chuteoverlying said curved lower chute end, the ice chute having parallelsides and being sized and shaped to guide ice cubes from the upper chuteend through the ice chute over the curved lower chute end into the watercontainer for minimizing water spillage where ice is used to fill thewater container provided by said Christmas tree stand, and means forsuspending the upper chute end from a Christmas tree limb.
 19. Thecombination of claim 18 wherein a dipstick is provided having a lengthgreater than the given length of the ice chute for determining the waterlevel in the water container at any given time.
 20. The combination ofclaim 19 wherein releasable means is provided below an upper end of thedipstick and the ice chute for holding a lower end of the dipstick in aposition for storage of the dipstick when being placed in a non useposition.
 21. The combination of claim 20 wherein said releasable meanscomprises a clip mounted on said dipstick in greater adjacency to theupper end of the dipstick in clipped-on relation with an upper end ofsaid ice chute.
 22. The combination of claim 21 wherein the dipstick maybe knocked down as for storage or shipping.
 23. A method of channelingwater to a Christmas tree water reservoir, the method comprising thesteps of: providing an ice chute for channeling ice from a superiorlocation to an inferior location, the ice chute comprising a superiorchute end, an inferior chute end, a conduit length intermediate thesuperior chute end and the inferior chute end, the superior chute endcomprising an ice inlet and means for removably attaching the superiorchute end to a select Christmas tree branch, the inferior chute endcomprising an ice outlet and means for selectively interfacing theinferior chute end with a Christmas tree water reservoir, the Christmastree water reservoir being adjacent a Christmas tree base; installingthe ice chute on a Christmas tree, the Christmas tree comprising theselect Christmas tree branch and the Christmas tree base; and depositingice in the ice inlet, thus effectively channeling water to the Christmastree water reservoir.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the step ofinstalling the ice chute on a Christmas tree is defined by comprisingthe optionally ordered steps of: attaching the superior chute end to theselect Christmas tree branch; and interfacing the inferior chute endwith the Christmas tree water reservoir.
 25. The method of claim 24wherein the method comprises the step of providing a dipstick, thedipstick comprising a superior dipstick portion, an inferior dipstickportion, and means for reversibly connecting the superior dipstickportion to the inferior dipstick portion, the superior dipstick portioncomprising a superior mouth end, an inferior conjugate end, and meansfor removably attaching the superior dipstick portion to the superiorchute end, the inferior dipstick portion comprising a superior conjugateend and an inferior orifice end, the orifice end comprising water levelindicia, the dipstick having a dipstick length when the superiordipstick portion is reversibly connected to the inferior dipstickportion, the dipstick length having greater magnitude than the conduitlength.
 26. A method of channeling water to a select region in inferioradjacency to a plant stem, the method comprising the steps of: providinga chute, the chute comprising a superior chute end, an inferior chuteend, a conduit length intermediate the superior chute end and theinferior chute end, the superior chute end comprising a water inlet andmeans for removably attaching the superior chute end to a select plantbranch, the inferior chute end comprising a water outlet and means forselectively interfacing the inferior chute end with a select plant stemregion, the select plant stem region being in inferior adjacency to aplant stem; installing the ice chute on a plant, the plant comprisingthe select plant branch and the plant stem; and depositing water in thewater inlet, thus channeling water to the select plant stem region. 27.The method of claim 26 wherein the chute is defined by comprisingindicator means for indicating the presence or absence of water at theselect plant stem region.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein the conduitlength comprises a continuous, substantially rectangular, lateral crosssection.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of depositing waterin the water inlet is defined by depositing ice in the water inlet.